Abstract: A DF or HF chemical laser gain generator fabricated by a platelet technique in which internal passages are more easily formed because the generator is made as a stack of thin platelets that are separately etched and then stacked together. The gain generator is water cooled through passages formed in it during the platelet fabrication process. Water cooling results in lower and more uniform operating temperatures and gas pressures, allowing the use of stronger metals which facilitate the elimination of supporting structures that can degrade laser beam quality. The fabrication method allows for the elimination of gas dynamic and thermally induced density gradients which further degrade laser beam quality.

Abstract: A DF or HF chemical laser gain generator fabricated by a platelet technique in which internal passages are more easily formed because the generator is made as a stack of thin platelets that are separately etched and then stacked together. The gain generator is water cooled through passages formed in it during the platelet fabrication process. Water cooling results in lower and more uniform operating temperatures and gas pressures, allowing the use of stronger metals which facilitate the elimination of supporting structures that can degrade laser beam quality. The fabrication method allows for the elimination of gas dynamic and thermally induced density gradients which further degrade laser beam quality.

Abstract: A lightweight housing (12) for a hydraulic power steering gear (10) includes a tubular structure (34 or 68) with a longitudinal central axis (21 or 23). The tubular structure (34 or 68) has layers extending circumferentially around the axis (21 or 23), including an inner layer (100), an outer layer (102), and an intermediate layer (104) between the inner and outer layers (100 and 102). The inner layer (100) is formed of plastic material. An inner surface (118 or 120) of the inner layer (100) defines an outer boundary of a space (36,38 or 88) containing hydraulic fluid under pressure. The outer layer (102) is formed of metal material. The intermediate layer (104) is formed of elastomeric material, and is compressively loaded radially between the inner and outer layers (100 and 102).

Abstract: A hydraulic power rack and pinion steering gear (10) includes a valve housing (32) and a hydraulic ram (20). The steering gear (10) further includes a composite plastic supporting body (12) which contains both the valve housing (32) and the hydraulic ram (20). The composite plastic supporting body (12) is formed of a high temperature thermoplastic binder material which is reinforced with glass fibers.